Today, SpaceX said that it intends to test satellite-to-cell phone calls this year in collaboration with American cell phone provider T-Mobile.
In 2023, one of the most well-known space businesses, SpaceX, will often launch satellites and rockets. With its satellite network, SpaceX has begun to provide its Starlink internet service for aircraft. As a result of Starlink’s up to this point success and dependability, CNBC reports that SpaceX is now considering the next stage, which is phone calls.
The following was mentioned by Jonathan Hofeller, vice president of sales for Starlink enterprise at SpaceX, during a panel discussion at a space conference:
“We’re going to learn a lot by doing — not necessarily by overanalyzing — and getting out there.”
At its Seattle factory, SpaceX produces an average of six satellites each day and has launched more than 4,000 satellites to date.
Zach Griff from The Points Man was highly impressed when JSX invited the media to try the Starlink WiFi on one of its flights last week. One of his speed tests exceeded 150mbps/second, which is extraordinary for aviation, according to some pictures posted on Twitter. I very rarely observe onboard WiFi speeds over 10mbps.
Griff had no issue making a video call thanks to the rapid speeds. The future of aviation travel might lie in this. Although they are not as numerous as they were before the pandemic, corporate travel still accounts for a sizable portion of air travel. One of the final remaining impediments to connectivity onboard may soon be overcome as a result of the huge improvement in internet speeds for business travelers.
Through partnerships with many aircraft WiFi providers and airlines, T-Mobile is solidifying its position as a dominant cell carrier in the US by offering its customers free internet access while they are flying. The company has entered into a cooperation with SpaceX in August 2022 to provide phone coverage to the majority of US sites, including some that are generally inaccessible.
The proposal to offer free WiFi to all customers was almost ready to be put into action, according to CEO of Delta Air Lines Ed Bastian, who made the announcement last month. Free WiFi will be accessible on 80% of Delta’s fleet starting on February 1st, it was announced at the CES tech convention in Las Vegas. By 2024, the whole fleet of the airline based in Atlanta will be covered.
T-Mobile said in September of last year that it has expanded its in-flight service to include flights operated by United Airlines, joining American, Alaska, and Delta Air Lines. Initially, not all United flights were covered, but starting on March 1, T-mobile customers will be able to use the free Internet on every United trip. Free WiFi will be accessible on 80% of Delta’s fleet starting on February 1st, it was announced at the CES tech convention in Las Vegas. By 2024, the whole fleet of the airline based in Atlanta will be covered.
